Rise from a Low-class Family to Martial Artist

Chapter 290: Chapter 88: Oblivious to Romance, Junior Brother Lin

The Military Affairs Department did not disclose the names of those who left their mark on Martial Arts Mountain to the public.

The Jiangnan Dao Martial Affairs Hall remained silent as well.

The news only circulated within a small circle.

The various provincial halls were puzzled why the Military Affairs Department did not publish the information. If there were concerns, Lin Chen’s name shouldn’t have been disclosed a few days ago.

Yet, they announced the name of Lin Chen from Jiangnan Dao, while keeping the latter’s name a secret.

The provincial halls could not understand why the Military Affairs Department treated the two cases differently. Was the student’s identity from Jiangnan Dao special?

Lin Chen naturally did not know that the Military Affairs Department withheld his information, and he continued his training as usual. Two days later, his Gale Leg finally reached Small Success, and he had a satisfied smile on his face.

Iron Bone Skill reached perfection, Clear Wind Palm reached perfection, Water Cloud Palm reached perfection, and finally, Clear Wind Palm and Water Cloud Palm fused into the Wind and Cloud Palm. Iron Bone Skill also reached the Second Layer of the Mountain Suppressing Chart. By rights, there should be no emotional fluctuation for Gale Leg’s Small Success.

But Lin Chen did not think so. Every progress, no matter how small, was worth celebrating.

The Martial Path is long, and perseverance alone is not enough; there must be gains.

Great gains are the accumulation of many small gains.

”Lin Chen, let’s go.”

Just as Lin Chen finished practicing the Gale Leg, Instructor Min Huanbo appeared; today was the day of the duel between the two places.

Following Instructor Min out of the Thousand-Step Mist, they boarded a boat. After a two-hour journey, upon seeing an island shrouded in mist, Lin Chen’s eyes filled with surprise.

An island in the Poyang Lake region?

”The Poyang Lake region is far more expansive than you imagine. Otherwise, the Poyang Guard would not have been established. You’ll understand once you enter the grade.”

Instructor Min Huanbo noticed Lin Chen’s confusion and smiled as he explained, his gaze ahead towards the island, ”This is the second Special Training Ground of our Jiangnan Dao Martial Affairs Hall.”

”Instructor Min, does that mean our Special Training Ground is also an island?”

”Smart.”

Hearing Instructor Min’s exaggerated praise, Lin Chen fell silent.

Can this be called ”smart”?

”Since only you from our side are participating in the duel, the venue is set on this island. The moment you step on the island, the duel has begun. The students on the other side have an advantage in terms of terrain knowledge, but you might also encounter all the other students immediately upon landing.”

Instructor Min joked. This was not impossible, but with Lin Chen marking his name twice on Martial Arts Mountain, no matter what tactics the opposing students used, the outcome wouldn’t change.

If these students gathered together and sought a direct confrontation with Lin Chen, it could save time.

”They probably won’t.”

Lin Chen shook his head. He did not presume that all the students on the other side would wait for him at the shore.

”Oh? How come you think they won’t wait for you at the shore?” Instructor Min was curious, unsure how Lin Chen came to this conclusion.

”I understand Senior Sister Jiang. With her character, she wouldn’t be the type to join forces with others. The more of a genius someone is, the more pride they tend to have.”

Lin Chen found an excuse, but in his heart, he murmured quietly, given my relationship with Senior Sister Jiang, she certainly wouldn’t join forces against me; she might even prevent others from teaming up.

...

...

On the island.

”Senior Sister Jiang, this battle concerns the reputation of our entire Special Training Ground. We should all unite to deal with that Lin Chen,” a young man suggested to Jiang Qing.

”Even if we team up and defeat Lin Chen with our numbers, what honor is there in that? It would only become a laughing stock if spread around.”

Jiang Qing scoffed softly: ”If you want to team up, go ahead. I would rather lose to Lin Chen in a fair fight than feel ashamed by a joint victory.”

With that, Jiang Qing turned and left decisively, leaving behind a group of people looking at each other.

”Senior Sister Jiang makes a valid point. Even with all of us, what meaning is there in defeating Lin Chen? I’m not participating either.”

Another young man stepped forward. Those who appeared at the Special Training Ground were all the most talented and even strongest individuals from their provinces. Initially, they agreed to the joint effort due to the thought of Lin Chen’s distinguished reputation on Martial Arts Mountain and his remarkable strength.

But now, following Jiang Qing’s revelation, the boys’ pride and sense of honor wouldn’t allow them to proceed with the team-up.

Eventually, five people left.

”The rules were set by Instructors from both places, which implies that teaming up is allowed. Let’s not forget how many points we can earn if we win this duel.”

Huo Tong saw that there were still some who were hesitant to leave, so he quickly spoke to persuade them. He realized Jiang Qing did it on purpose — that vile woman is on Lin Chen’s side, purposely saying this to split them up so Lin Chen could defeat them one by one.

But he dared not say it out loud, fearing Jiang Qing would indeed beat him up in front of everyone.

Upon hearing Huo Tong’s words, a few more students who were about to leave calmed down.

Points are crucial, and as for the honor... they could blame the instructors for the rules. It’s clear they meant for them to join forces against Lin Chen.

”We’ll wait here for Lin Chen. As soon as he arrives, we’ll take action immediately. There’s no way he alone could be a match for so many of us.”

Seeing that no one else was leaving, determination flashed in Huo Tong’s eyes. As formidable as Lin Chen was, he couldn’t be a match for their numbers. What’s so special about marking a name at Martial Arts Mountain? Especially when it’s just for Opening the Acupoints at eighteen places while every single one present surpasses Lin Chen’s realm.